Electrical charging devices and assemblies

ABSTRACT

Electrical charging devices and assemblies are provided herein. An example device includes a housing tray having a sidewall extending perpendicularly from the housing tray, the housing tray being configured to hold a personal electronic device, the housing tray including an electrical connector interface that couples with a charging connector of the personal electronic device. The device also includes a circuit mounted on the housing tray for converting alternating current received from an electrical outlet to direct current that charges the personal electronic device through the electrical connector interface. Also, the device includes an electrical connector for electrically coupling the circuit with the electrical outlet, the electrical connector capable of being placed in either a deployed configuration where the electrical connector can couple with the electrical outlet or a stored configuration where the electrical connector cannot couple with the electrical outlet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/998,497, filed on Jun. 29, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/998,646, filed on Jul. 2, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/998,649, filed on Jul. 3, 2014; U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/998,770, filed on Jul. 6, 2014; andU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/124,684, filed on Dec. 29,2014; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties including all references cited therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology pertains to devices for electronic charging, andmore specifically, but not by way of limitation, to electronic chargingstations that couple with a wall outlet and include a tray that receivesan electronic device such as a Smartphone, tablet, laptop, and so forth.Some embodiments comprise mechanisms for transitioning an outlet plugbetween a deployed configuration to a storage configuration and viceversa.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, the present technology is directed to adevice, comprising: (a) a housing tray having a sidewall extendingperpendicularly from the housing tray, the housing tray being configuredto hold a personal electronic device, the housing tray comprising anelectrical connector interface that couples with a charging connector ofthe personal electronic device; (b) a circuit mounted on the housingtray for converting alternating current received from an electricaloutlet to direct current that charges the personal electronic devicethrough the electrical connector interface; and (c) an electricalconnector for electrically coupling the circuit with the electricaloutlet, the electrical connector capable of being placed in either adeployed configuration where the electrical connector can couple withthe electrical outlet or a stored configuration where the electricalconnector cannot couple with the electrical outlet.

According to some embodiments, the present technology is directed to adevice, comprising: (a) a first housing tray comprising a sidewallextending perpendicularly from the housing tray, the housing tray beingconfigured to hold a personal electronic device, the first housing trayfurther comprising a circuit for converting alternating current at 110volts received from an electrical outlet to direct current that can beused to charge the personal electronic device; (b) a second housing traycomprising an electrical connector for electrically coupling the circuitwith the electrical outlet, the electrical connector capable of beingplaced in either a deployed configuration or a stored configuration; and(c) a third housing tray that comprises a stabilizer, the stabilizercontacting the electrical outlet or a wall of the electrical outlet tosupport a weight of the personal electronic device.

According to some embodiments, the present technology is directed to adevice, comprising: (a) a first housing tray comprising a sidewallextending perpendicularly from the housing tray, the housing tray beingconfigured to hold a personal electronic device, the first housing trayfurther comprising an electrical connector interface that couples with acharging connector of the personal electronic device; (b) a secondhousing tray comprising: (i) a circuit for converting alternatingcurrent at 110 volts received from an electrical outlet to directcurrent that can be used to charge the personal electronic device usingthe electrical connector interface; and (ii) an electrical connector forelectrically coupling the circuit with the electrical outlet, theelectrical connector capable of being placed in either a deployedconfiguration or a stored configuration based on pivoting movement of athird housing tray relative to the second housing tray; and (c) thethird housing tray that comprises a stabilizer, the stabilizercontacting the electrical outlet or a wall of the electrical outlet tosupport a weight of the personal electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

The methods and systems disclosed herein have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example device of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2 is a top down view of the device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, installed into anoutlet of a wall.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1, installed into an outletof a wall.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example circuit for use in theexample devices of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another example circuit for use in theexample devices of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of a pair of pivoting prongs and pair ofelectrical posts.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of the pair of pivoting prongs and pair ofelectrical posts in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another example device of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 10A is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10B is another perspective view of the device of FIG. 9,illustrating deployment of a stabilizer.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the device of FIG. 9 plugged into an outletand supported on a wall by a stabilizer.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the device of FIG. 9 plugged into an outletand supported on a wall by a two section stabilizer.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a stabilizer with an internalstabilizer flap.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9, in a storedconfiguration.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 9, in a deployedconfiguration, showing vertical and horizontal axes of travel.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a pair of upper and lower guides withhinges attached.

FIG. 17 is a top down view of the pair of upper and lower guides withhinges attached of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another example second housing traythat comprises a pushrod assembly.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the pushrod assembly.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the pushrod assembly in combinationwith a circuit enclosure and electrical connector.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example stabilizer comprising aplurality of stabilizer flaps.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another example stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is now described more fully with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the presentdisclosure are shown. The present disclosure may, however, be embodiedin many different forms and should not be construed as necessarily beinglimited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseexample embodiments are provided so that the disclosure is thorough andcomplete, and fully conveys the concepts of the present disclosure tothose skilled in the art. Also, features described with respect tocertain example embodiments may be combined in and/or with various otherexample embodiments. Different aspects and/or elements of exampleembodiments, as disclosed herein, may be combined in a similar manner.Further, at least some example embodiments may individually and/orcollectively be components of a larger system, wherein other proceduresmay take precedence over and/or otherwise modify their application.Additionally, a number of steps may be required before, after, and/orconcurrently with example embodiments, as disclosed herein. Note thatany and/or all methods and/or processes, at least as disclosed herein,can be at least partially performed via at least one entity, at least asdescribed herein, in any manner, irrespective of the at least one entityhave any relationship to the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Generally described, the present technology involves devices that areused to charge electronic devices. Example types of electronic devicesthat can be charged using the present technology include, but are notlimited to, cellular telephones, Smartphones, PDAs, tablets, phablets,laptops, or any other mobile electronic device that requires rechargingthrough an electrical interface or charging port.

Some embodiments include a single housing tray that is provided with anelectrical plug that is configured to fit in an electrical wall outlet.The electrical plug can be configured to transition between a deployedconfiguration and a stored configuration. In the deployed configuration,prongs of the electrical plug extend such that they can be inserted intothe outlet. In the stored configuration, the prongs of the electricalplug are retracted or folded into the tray.

When plugged into the outlet, the housing tray is a cantilever thatsupports the weight of the electronic device that is being charged bythe device. The housing tray comprises a circuit for transforming the ACpower received from the outlet to DC power that can be used to rechargethe electronic device.

In some embodiments, the housing tray can comprise a stabilizer thatcontacts the outlet or the wall and at least partially bears the weightof the electronic device.

In other embodiments, the device includes additional housing trays thatare disposed in a stacked configuration. Movement of these housing traysrelative to one another function to move the electrical plug between itsdeployed and stored configurations. Also, stabilizers can be stored inone or more of these additional trays. In some embodiments, one or moreof the additional trays is pivotally hinged to an adjacent housing tray.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-8, which collectively illustrates an exampledevice 100, constructed in accordance with the present technology.

The device 100 includes a housing tray 102 having a sidewall 104extending perpendicularly from the housing tray 102. The housing tray102 is configured to hold a personal electronic device 106.

The housing tray 102 comprises an electrical connector interface 108that couples with a charging connector 110 of the personal electronicdevice 106, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The device 100 also includes acircuit 112 mounted on the housing tray 102 for converting alternatingcurrent received from an electrical outlet 114 of a wall 116 (see FIG.3) to direct current that charges the personal electronic device 106through the electrical connector interface 108.

In some embodiments, the device 100 includes an electrical connector 118for electrically coupling the circuit 112 with the electrical outlet114. The electrical connector 118 is capable of being placed in either adeployed configuration (see FIG. 3) where the electrical connector 118can couple with the electrical outlet 114 or a stored configuration (seeFIG. 1) where the electrical connector 118 cannot couple with theelectrical outlet 114.

In more detail, the housing tray 102 includes a plate 120. The plate 120supports the circuit 112 and the personal electronic device 106. Thesidewall 104 extends around at least a portion of a periphery of theplate 120. In one example, the sidewall 104 extends around one or moresides, an in some embodiments four sides of the plate 120.

According to some embodiments, the circuit 112 can comprise a printedcircuit board with various permutations of electrical components. Ingeneral, the circuit 112 is configured to transform the AC powerwaveform received from the outlet 114 into DC power that is appropriatefor charging the personal electronic device 106.

In some embodiments, the circuit 112 can include combinations ofelectrolytic capacitors, MOSFET switching transistors, flybacktransformers, a controller integrated circuit, capacitors, diodes, R-Csnubber circuits, EMI (electromagnetic interference) circuits,inductors, control chips, Schottky diodes, Tantalum filter capacitors,as well as any combinations thereof, in order to provide the desiredtransformation of AC to DC functions.

In some embodiments, such as in FIG. 4, the circuit 112 is an advancedflyback switching power supply that receives the AC voltage in ranges of100 to 240 volts, and produces approximately five watts of smoothvoltage power. AC line power is converted to high voltage DC currentusing a diode bridge 122. The DC power is switched off and on by atransistor 124 controlled by a power supply controller IC 126.

In some embodiments, the chopped DC power supply is fed back in to aflyback transformer 128, which converts the DC power to a low voltage ACwaveform. The AC waveform is then converted into DC, which is filteredwith a filter 132 to obtain smooth power that is substantially free ofinterference. This smoothed power is provided to a USB port (e.g.,electrical connector interface 108). The circuit 112 can comprise afeedback circuit 133 that measures the voltage output to the electricalconnector interface 108 and sends a signal to the controller IC 126,which adjusts the switching frequency to obtain a desired voltage.

While the use of USB port is contemplated, the electrical connectorinterface 108 can be selectively changed depending upon the typeelectrical device that needs to be charged. Other examples include powerover Ethernet, firewire, MIDI, Thunderbolt, and so forth.

In another example circuit, illustrated in FIG. 6, the circuit 112comprises a transformer 128 that performs a step down of the AC voltagereceived from the outlet 114 to a working output voltage. A rectifier130 then converts the stepped down voltage from AC to DC. In someembodiments, the rectifier 130 is a full wave bridge rectifier. A filter132 can be used to a capacitor to smooth the DC voltage. A regulator 134can also be employed to even further smooth the DC current. For example,a zener diode or IC voltage regulator can be utilized.

The circuits of FIGS. 5 and 6 are merely example circuits that can beused to transform the AC power received at a wall outlet to a DC powerfeed that can be used to charge an electronic device without causing anydamage to the circuitry of the electronic device.

Turning now to FIGS. 7-8, the electrical connector interface 108comprises a pair of pivoting prongs 136 and 138 that are designed tomove into and out of contact with a pair of electrical posts 140 and 142of the circuit 112 and provide power to the circuit (when the device isplugged into the outlet).

The prongs 136 and 138 move into contact with the posts 140 and 142,respectively, when the electrical connector is moved into the deployedconfiguration. Likewise, the prongs 136 and 138 move out of contact withthe posts 140 and 142, respectively, when the electrical connector ismoved into the stored configuration.

The prongs 136 and 138, when stored, lie flat with the front of anenclosure 144 that covers the circuit 112, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Theprongs 136 and 138 will extend away from the enclosure 144 when in thedeployed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

In some embodiments, each of the pair of electrical posts 140 and 142comprises a post interface 146 and 148 (respectively). Each of the pairof pivoting prongs 136 and 138 include a prong interface 150 and 152(respectively) that electrically couple when the electrical connector isin the deployed configuration.

In one embodiment, the post interfaces 146 and 148 include apertures 147and 149, respectively, and the prong interfaces 146 and 148 arepegs/protrusions that are each sized to matingly fit within an aperture.The mating fit should be sufficient to provide an electrical connectionbetween the prongs 136/138 and the posts 140/142.

In some embodiments, the prongs 136 and 138 pivotally connect to theenclosure 144 using pins 154 and 156, respectively.

Turning back to FIG. 4 briefly, in some embodiments, the housing tray102 is provided with a stabilizer 158 that pivotally extends from alower part of the housing tray 102. The stabilizer 158 is configured tocontact the electrical outlet 114 or a wall 116 of the electrical outlet114.

Turning now to FIGS. 9-17, which collectively illustrate another exampledevice 200, which is constructed in accordance with the presenttechnology. The device includes plurality of housing trays. In oneembodiment, the plurality of housing trays includes a first housing tray202, a second housing tray 204, and a third housing tray 206. The device200 can comprise additional of fewer housing trays than thoseillustrated. An electrical device 208 is disposed in the first housingtray 202.

The second housing tray 204 is provided with an electrical connector 210that includes prongs 218. The third housing tray 206 comprises astabilizer 212 that is capable of being disposed in a storedconfiguration (see FIG. 9), and a deployed configuration (see FIG. 10).The third housing tray 206 is pivotally or hingedly connected to thesecond housing tray 204 and (in some embodiments) supports the weight ofthe personal electronic device 208 by contacting the wall 209 or theelectrical outlet 214 (see FIG. 11).

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the stabilizer 212 (or a section of thestabilizer 212) rotates when extended from the third housing tray 206such that a mating surface 213 of the stabilizer 212 rests flat againstthe wall or the electrical outlet.

FIG. 13 illustrates the stabilizer 212, which includes an internalstabilizer flap 219 that extends from the stabilizer 212.

In some embodiments, the hinged movement of the third housing tray 206relative to the second housing tray 204 causes the linear movement ofthe electrical connector 210. For example, hinged movement of the thirdhousing tray 206 causes the electrical connector 210 translate along ahorizontal axis H when moving between the deployed and storedconfigurations. Additional details regarding the movement of theelectrical connector 210 are provided with respect to FIGS. 16-17.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate side elevational views of the device 200 inboth a retracted (FIG. 14) and a deployed configuration (FIG. 15).

FIGS. 16 and 17 collectively illustrate an example electrical connectoractuator assembly 213 that is configured to move the electricalconnector 210 between a deployed and/or stored configurations.

The assembly 213 comprises a pair of upper guides 220 and 222, and thesecond housing tray comprises a pair of lower guides 224 and 226. Theupper guides 220 and 222 are associated with the second housing tray 204and the lower guides are associated with the third housing tray 206.

The upper guides 220 and 222 comprise substantially rectangular framesthat are configured to receive wheels 223 and 225 therein, as describedbelow. The wheels 223 and 225 will translate or travel within the upperguides 220 and 222, which causes the electrical connector 210 to movealong the horizontal axis H. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.17, the circuit and enclosure 250 is coupled with the upper guides 220and 222 using the wheels 223 and 225.

The lower guides 224 and 226 also comprise rectangular frames that eachcomprises a confinement area such as confinement areas 228 and 230 thatare configured to receive wheels 227 and 229. The confinement areas 228and 230 allow the wheels to rotate therein but not translate along theguides 224 and 226.

A fourth wheel 231 and fifth wheel 233 are also within the upper guides220 and 222. The fourth wheel 231 and fifth wheel 233 are joined to anaxle 237.

A strut 239 extends between the enclosure 250 and the axle 237. Thestrut 239, in some embodiments, is coupled to the axle 237 with anannular ring 241 that allows the axle 237 to freely rotate whileallowing the axle to push and/or pull the strut along the horizontalaxis H as the wheels 231 and 233 translated within the upper guides 220and 222.

In one embodiment, the fourth wheel 231 of the pair of upper guides isconnected to a first wheel 227 of the pair of lower guides with firstarmatures 232A and 232B. Likewise the fifth wheel 233 of the pair ofupper guides is connected to a second wheel 229 of the pair of lowerguides with second armatures 234A and 234B.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the assembly 212 comprises a hinge thatfunctions to displace the axle 237. Because the enclosure 250 and iscoupled to the axle 237 by the strut 239, movement of the axle 237forwardly and/or rearwardly along the horizontal axis will cause theenclosure 250 and prongs to deploy or retract. When the third housingtray 206 is hinged away from the second housing tray 204, the hinge 251pushes the axle 237 forwardly, pushing the enclosure 250 into a deployedposition. Likewise, when the third housing tray 206 is hinged upwardlytowards the second housing tray 204, the hinge 251 pushes the axle 237rearwardly, pushing the enclosure 250 into a deployed position

Because of the connection of the wheels with the first and secondarmatures, and the non-translation of the wheels 227 and 229, the wheels231 and 233 of the upper guides 220 and 222 will translate, pushing theaxle 237.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, another example device 300 is illustrated.This device 300 comprises a pushrod assembly 302 for moving anelectrical connector 304 between deployed and stored configurations.

In FIG. 19, the pushrod assembly 302 is disposed within a second housingtray 306 of the device 300. The pushrod assembly 302 comprises a pushrod308, a first clip 310 for storing the pushrod 308 when the electricalconnector 304 is in the stored configuration (see FIG. 18). A secondclip 312 is provided for storing the pushrod 308 when the electricalconnector 304 is in the deployed configuration where the prongs areextended. The second housing tray 306 can replace the second housingtray 204 of FIG. 7, for example.

The pushrod embodiment can also comprise a stabilizer 390 that isintegrated the bottom surface of the second housing tray 306. Thestabilizer 390 is illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 22.

The pushrod 308 is held in place in a cavity 314 of the second housingtray 306 using holders 316A-C.

The device 300 comprises a circuit 318, which can include any circuitthat is similar or identical to the circuit of the device 100 of FIG. 1.The circuit 318 is disposed within an enclosure 320. The enclosure 320also houses the electrical connector 304 such that prongs 322 and 324 ofthe electrical connector extend from the enclosure 304.

As with the embodiments of FIGS. 9-17, the device 300 includes threeseparate housing trays such as a first housing tray, the second housingtray, and a third housing tray. As with the device 200 of FIGS. 9-17,the third housing tray is pivotally connected to the second housingtray.

The pushrod 308 is accessible when the third housing tray is pivotedaway from the second housing tray, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The pushrod 308 has a substantially L-shape with an arm extension 331.The arm extension 331 locks into the first and/or second clips 310 and312 as needed. When not locked into a clip, the arm extension 331 can berotated about, and translated along a pushrod axis P to move theelectrical connector 304 between the deployed and stored configurations.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the electrical circuit 318 is enclosed withinan enclosure 330. Prongs 332 and 334 are attached to the enclosure 330.For stability, the enclosure 330 is rotatably supported on both sides bya drive shaft 336 that includes wheels, such as wheel 338 that aredisposed within tracks, such as track 340, fabricated into the sidewallof the second housing tray 306. As the pushrod 308 is moved along thepushrod axis P, the wheels translated within their respective tracks,allowing the prongs 332 and 334 to move in and out of prong apertures342 and 344.

In some embodiments, a wall support or stabilizer 346 is also attachedto the enclosure 330 (and positioned below the enclosure 330).

In FIG. 21, the stabilizer 346 is provided with three sections or flaps348A-C. A primary flap 348A extends from the third housing tray 306 whenthe pushrod 308 is moved forward. A second flap 348B pivots from thebottom of the primary flap 348A, and a third flap 348C pivots outwardlyfrom the top of the secondary flap 348B. Depending upon the geometry ofthe wall or outlet, the primary, second, or third flaps can be deployed.

In FIG. 22, the third housing tray 306 can comprise a pull down,pivoting stabilizer 390 that pivots from a lower portion of the thirdhousing tray 306. In some embodiments, the pull down, pivotingstabilizer 390 comprises a secondary flap 391 that pivots away from thebody of the pull down, pivoting stabilizer 390. The secondary flap 391can contact a wall or other surface to stabilize the device when pluggedinto an electrical outlet.

The stabilizer 390 of FIG. 22 can alternatively be used in any housingtray embodiment described herein.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present technology has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the present technology in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the presenttechnology. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the present technology and its practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the present technology for various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Aspects of the present technology are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of thepresent technology. It will be understood that each block of theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present technology. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof code, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be notedthat, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in theblock may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, twoblocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantiallyconcurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be notedthat each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-basedsystems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations ofspecial purpose hardware and computer instructions.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularembodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced inother embodiments that depart from these specific details.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” or“according to one embodiment” (or other phrases having similar import)at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more embodiments. Furthermore, depending on the context ofdiscussion herein, a singular term may include its plural forms and aplural term may include its singular form. Similarly, a hyphenated term(e.g., “on-demand”) may be occasionally interchangeably used with itsnon-hyphenated version (e.g., “on demand”), a capitalized entry (e.g.,“Software”) may be interchangeably used with its non-capitalized version(e.g., “software”), a plural term may be indicated with or without anapostrophe (e.g., PE's or PEs), and an italicized term (e.g., “N+1”) maybe interchangeably used with its non-italicized version (e.g., “N+1”).Such occasional interchangeable uses shall not be consideredinconsistent with each other.

Also, some embodiments may be described in terms of “means for”performing a task or set of tasks. It will be understood that a “meansfor” may be expressed herein in terms of a structure, such as aprocessor, a memory, an I/O device such as a camera, or combinationsthereof. Alternatively, the “means for” may include an algorithm that isdescriptive of a function or method step, while in yet other embodimentsthe “means for” is expressed in terms of a mathematical formula, prose,or as a flow chart or signal diagram.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

It is noted at the outset that the terms “coupled,” “connected”,“connecting,” “electrically connected,” etc., are used interchangeablyherein to generally refer to the condition of beingelectrically/electronically connected. Similarly, a first entity isconsidered to be in “communication” with a second entity (or entities)when the first entity electrically sends and/or receives (whetherthrough wireline or wireless means) information signals (whethercontaining data information or non-data/control information) to thesecond entity regardless of the type (analog or digital) of thosesignals. It is further noted that various figures (including componentdiagrams) shown and discussed herein are for illustrative purpose only,and are not drawn to scale.

If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and suchincorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or in whole with thepresent disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and/or broaderdisclosure, and/or broader definition of terms, the present disclosurecontrols. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and/or inwhole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dateddisclosure controls.

The terminology used herein can imply direct or indirect, full orpartial, temporary or permanent, immediate or delayed, synchronous orasynchronous, action or inaction. For example, when an element isreferred to as being “on,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element,then the element can be directly on, connected or coupled to the otherelement and/or intervening elements may be present, including indirectand/or direct variants. In contrast, when an element is referred to asbeing “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element,there are no intervening elements present.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thedisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or“comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exampleembodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed asnecessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and/or other any other types ofmanufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include threedimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control(CNC) routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography and/or others.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whetherpartially and/or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, aceramic, an amorphous solid, such as glass, a glass ceramic, an organicsolid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a compositematerial, a semiconductor, a nano-material, a biomaterial and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, caninclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, non-transparency, luminescence, anti-reflection and/orholographic, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermalproperty coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance orconduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproofcoating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Theterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Suchrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofillustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in theaccompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanyingdrawings is turned over, then the elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sidesof the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures isturned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elementswould then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore, theexample terms “below” and “lower” can, therefore, encompass both anorientation of above and below.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, thepresent descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwiseappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth andscope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: a housing tray having asidewall extending perpendicularly from the housing tray, the housingtray being configured to hold a personal electronic device, the housingtray comprising an electrical connector interface that couples with acharging connector of the personal electronic device; a circuit mountedon the housing tray for converting alternating current received from anelectrical outlet to direct current that charges the personal electronicdevice through the electrical connector interface; and an electricalconnector for electrically coupling the circuit with the electricaloutlet, the electrical connector capable of being placed in either adeployed configuration where the electrical connector can couple withthe electrical outlet or a stored configuration where the electricalconnector cannot couple with the electrical outlet.
 2. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector comprises a pairof pivoting prongs that selectively move into and out of contact with apair of electrical posts of the circuit when the electrical connector isdeployed or stored, respectively.
 3. The device according to claim 2,wherein each of the pair of electrical posts comprises a post interfacethat receives a prong interface of one of the pair of pivoting prongswhen the electrical connector is in the deployed configuration.
 4. Thedevice according to claim 3, wherein the post interface comprises anaperture and the prong interface comprises a peg that is sized tomatingly fit within the aperture.
 5. The device according to claim 1,wherein the electrical connector interface can be selectively changed.6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing tray comprises astabilizer that pivotally extends from a lower part of the housing tray,the stabilizer contacting the electrical outlet or a wall of theelectrical outlet.
 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein theelectrical connector is recessed within the housing tray when theelectrical connector is in the stored configuration.
 8. A device,comprising: a first housing tray comprising a sidewall extendingperpendicularly from the housing tray, the housing tray being configuredto hold a personal electronic device, the first housing tray furthercomprising a circuit for converting alternating current at 110 voltsreceived from an electrical outlet to direct current that can be used tocharge the personal electronic device; a second housing tray comprisingan electrical connector for electrically coupling the circuit with theelectrical outlet, the electrical connector capable of being placed ineither a deployed configuration or a stored configuration; and a thirdhousing tray that comprises a stabilizer, the stabilizer contacting theelectrical outlet or a wall of the electrical outlet to support a weightof the personal electronic device.
 9. The device according to claim 8,wherein when the second housing tray and the third housing tray moveaway from one another the electrical connector is disposed in thedeployed configuration and when the second housing tray and the thirdhousing tray move towards one another the electrical connector isdisposed in the stored configuration.
 10. The device according to claim9, wherein the electrical connector translates along a horizontal axiswhen moving between the deployed and stored configurations and the thirdhousing tray pivots away from the second housing tray.
 11. The deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein the third housing tray is pivotallyconnected to the second housing tray and supports the weight of thepersonal electronic device by contacting the wall or the electricaloutlet.
 12. The device according to claim 11, wherein the stabilizerrotates when extended from the third housing tray such that a matingsurface of the stabilizer rests flat against the wall or the electricaloutlet.
 13. The device according to claim 11, wherein the stabilizerincludes an internal stabilizer flap that extends from the stabilizer.14. The device according to claim 8, wherein the second housing traycomprises a pair of upper guides and the third housing tray comprises apair of lower guides, each of the pair of upper guides comprising awheel and each of the lower guides comprising a wheel, wherein a firstwheel of the pair of upper guides is connected to a first wheel of thepair of lower guides with a first armature, further wherein a secondwheel of the pair of upper guides is connected to a second wheel of thepair of lower guides with a second armature.
 15. The device according toclaim 14, further comprising a hinge coupling the second housing traywith the third housing tray.
 16. The device according to claim 14,wherein the first and second wheels of the pair of lower guides areconfined such that they can rotate but not translate along the pair oflower guides.
 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the firstand second wheels of the pair of upper guides can rotate and translatealong the pair of upper guides allowing the electrical connector toslidingly translate between the deployed and stored configurations. 18.The device according to claim 8, wherein the electrical connectortranslates from the deployed configuration to the stored configurationusing a pushrod assembly.
 19. A device, comprising: a first housing traycomprising a sidewall extending perpendicularly from the housing tray,the housing tray being configured to hold a personal electronic device,the first housing tray further comprising an electrical connectorinterface that couples with a charging connector of the personalelectronic device; a second housing tray comprising: a circuit forconverting alternating current at 110 volts received from an electricaloutlet to direct current that can be used to charge the personalelectronic device using the electrical connector interface; and anelectrical connector for electrically coupling the circuit with theelectrical outlet, the electrical connector capable of being placed ineither a deployed configuration or a stored configuration based onpivoting movement of a third housing tray relative to the second housingtray; and the third housing tray that comprises a stabilizer, thestabilizer contacting the electrical outlet or a wall of the electricaloutlet to support a weight of the personal electronic device.